The Palestinian group Hamas has branded United States President Donald Trump’s recent comments about taking over Gaza as “racist.

In a statement published on its Telegram channel, Hamas rejected Trump’s insistence on the US taking control of the Strip and transferring its two million inhabitants to Jordan and Egypt.

“Trump’s statements are racist and a call for ethnic cleansing, aimed at liquidating the Palestinian cause and denying the immutable national rights of our people,” Hamas said.

Hamas also stated that it remains committed to the ceasefire agreement and again accused Israel of failing to uphold its side of the deal.

“We emphasise that the occupation is the party that has not complied with its commitments and is therefore responsible for any complications or delays,” it added.

This comes after Trump warned that “all hell is going to break out” if Hamas fails to release all hostages being held in Gaza by Saturday afternoon.

Trump issued the threat while addressing journalists from the Oval Office in the White House after signing a series of executive orders.

Hamas had threatened to postpone the next hostage release, scheduled for Saturday, “until further notice,” accusing Israel of breaking the ceasefire agreement.